Geology

The landscape of Yosemite National Park is truly diverse and captivating as the scenery in the area results from the interaction of rocks and glaciers. The park is home to a number of remarkable landmarks that include Vernal and Nevada Falls, Hetch Hetchy, Yosemite Valley, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome and the Cathedral Range. The process of glaciations over the years has also resulted in the formation of landforms like peaks, domes, canyons, moraines and waterfalls.

Another common site that you can see in the park, which is a clear evidence of glaciations, is that of the glacially-polished granite surfaces. Moreover, the vast majority of surface in the park is comprised of plutonic igneous rocks that were formed by the cooling of molten rocks over a period of years. A vast variety of these rocks make up the landscape of the Yosemite National Park. In addition, you can find metamorphic rocks in some areas. These are of high interest to some geologists due to their unique structure.